A selection of classic films set and filmed in Hong Kong, many of which concerning issues raised by Hong Kong's return to its motherland, opened on Tuesday in Hong Kong time at the "Vancouver International Film Festival Year-round at the VanCity Theater" as a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Presented by the Vancouver International Film Festival, the " Hong Kong Stories" series features some of the best works of Hong Kong's most acclaimed directors including Johnnie To, Stanley Kwan, John Woo, Wong Kar-wai and Ann Hui. The film series is sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Canada, and supported by the Hong Kong Film Archive.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, HKETO Director Bassanio So said Hong Kong films were the ambassadors of Hong Kong. "They have been recognized by the international film industry and have garnered many international awards. Hong Kong movies reflect our people's vibrancy and creativity," he said.

To be screened until July 7 at the VanCity theater, the 10 specially picked movies include this evening's opening film "Rouge ", directed by Stanley Kwan and starring the late Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung.

Others include "Election I" and "Election II" directed by Johnnie To, "Personal Memoirs of Hong Kong: As time goes by and still love you after all these years" by Ann Hui and Stanley Kwan, Young Bruce Lee's "The Orphan" by Li Changfeng, "The Killer" by John Woo and "As Tears Go By" by world-acclaimed director Wong Ka- wai.